King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:59 Mean?

Leviticus 13:59 in the King James Version says “This is the law of the plague of leprosy in a garment of woollen or linen, either in the warp, or woof, or any thing of ... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

This is the law of the plague of leprosy in a garment of woollen or linen, either in the warp, or woof, or any thing of skins, to pronounce it clean, or to pronounce it unclean.

Leviticus 13:59 · KJV


Context

57

And if it appear still in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin; it is a spreading plague: thou shalt burn that wherein the plague is with fire.

58

And the garment, either warp, or woof, or whatsoever thing of skin it be, which thou shalt wash, if the plague be departed from them, then it shall be washed the second time, and shall be clean.

59

This is the law of the plague of leprosy in a garment of woollen or linen, either in the warp, or woof, or any thing of skins, to pronounce it clean, or to pronounce it unclean.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is the law of the plague of leprosy in a garment of woollen or linen, either in the warp, or woof, or any thing of skins, to pronounce it clean, or to pronounce it unclean.

This verse falls within the section on Diagnosing Skin Diseases. Detailed procedures for priests to diagnose skin diseases (צָרַעַת, tzaraat), often translated 'leprosy' but covering various conditions.

Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Detailed procedures for priests to diagnose skin diseases (צָרַעַת, tzaraat), often translated 'leprosy' but covering various conditions. Chapters 11-15 address ritual purity, teaching Israel to distinguish clean from unclean. These laws served multiple purposes: promoting health, teaching spiritual lessons about sin's defilement, and separating Israel from pagan practices. Archaeological evidence shows Canaanite worship involved practices Israel's laws explicitly prohibited. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
זֹ֠את1 of 19
H2063

this (often used adverb)

תּוֹרַ֨ת2 of 19

This is the law

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

נֶֽגַע3 of 19

of the plague

H5061

a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)

צָרַ֜עַת4 of 19

of leprosy

H6883

leprosy

בֶּ֥גֶד5 of 19

in a garment

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

הַצֶּ֣מֶר׀6 of 19

of woollen

H6785

wool

א֣וֹ7 of 19
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

הַפִּשְׁתִּ֗ים8 of 19

or linen

H6593

linen (i.e., the thread, as carded)

א֤וֹ9 of 19
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

הַשְּׁתִי֙10 of 19

either in the warp

H8359

a fixture, i.e., the warp in weaving

א֣וֹ11 of 19
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

הָעֵ֔רֶב12 of 19

or woof

H6154

the web (or transverse threads of cloth); also a mixture, (or mongrel race)

א֖וֹ13 of 19
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

כָּל14 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כְּלִי15 of 19

or any thing

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

ע֑וֹר16 of 19

of skins

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

לְטַֽהֲר֖וֹ17 of 19

to pronounce it clean

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

א֥וֹ18 of 19
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

לְטַמְּאֽוֹ׃19 of 19

or to pronounce it unclean

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 13:59 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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